Cold Storage for Roses: A Look at Our Unique Harvesting Process

Cold Storage for Roses: A Look at Our Unique Harvesting Process

Shipping roses without causing stress or damage remains a challenge for growers worldwide. But here at April & Ashley, we hear time and time again from happy customers who receive strong, healthy rose bushes – ready to be planted straight out of the box.

In this post, we’ll pull back the curtain on the process that gives our roses the extra boost they need to produce beautiful, long-lasting blooms: selective harvesting and strategic cold storage. 

What is Cold Storage and Why it Matters

Cold storage involves keeping harvested roses in a consistently cool environment – around 35 degrees Fahrenheit or 2 degrees Celsius. This process mimics winter dormancy and gives the roses more time to accumulate starch in their canes. Generally, the more starch a rose has in its canes, the more it will bloom. 

The added beauty rest before being shipped to home gardeners and retailers gives our roses that extra oomph they need to reach their maximum flowering potential. A few noteworthy benefits of cold storage include:

  • Stress reduction: Roses often become dehydrated in transit. Cold storage helps them retain moisture for longer – preventing them from getting too thirsty and wilting prematurely.

  • Energy conservation: Keeping roses at lower temperatures slows respiration – extending shelf life and preserving flower quality. 

  • Bacteria suppression: Bacteria and fungi thrive in warm environments. Chilling roses aids in slowing down bacterial growth and reproduction.

  • Beauty enhancement: Cool environments help roses maintain the features they’re famous for – vibrant colors, firm petals, and captivating fragrance.

Our Unique Process

We are the only rose grower that optimizes plant health with selective harvesting and cold storage. Our 2-part process combines science and flexibility to bring the freshest and healthiest blooms to our customers.


Part 1: Harvest & Cold Store

2-4 weeks of chilling has been shown to enhance the health and beauty of roses. At April & Ashley, our team selectively harvests roses intended for earlier shipment and stores them cold for 4 weeks. Once the roses arrive to the customer, they’re in tip-top shape and ready to be planted or potted.


Part 2: Save Hardier Roses for Last

Unlike other rose growers, we don’t harvest all at once – giving our roses a health and quality advantage. At our farm, the roses meant for colder climates are left in the field for longer – allowing them to progress through natural dormancy cycles and reducing the need for storage. 

Healthier Roses, Happier Customers

sol desire with red roses

It’s no coincidence that all our roses arrive on our customers’ doorsteps in mint condition – it’s a true testament to our efforts at the farm. Our field storage method ensures each and every rose arrives with strong canes and minimal signs of stress. Once the roses are potted or planted, they’ll have the best chance at a happy and healthy growth journey.

Why the April & Ashley Approach is Unique

When it comes to harvesting and planting roses, timing is everything. Most rose growers harvest their full crop at once. In this scenario, the roses are either left in storage for too long or shipped too early or too late – causing the customer to miss their ideal planting window. April & Ashley’s flexible harvest and storage method allows us to:

  • Reduce waste: Cold storage before shipping minimizes the risk of damage and spoilage of roses during transportation. 

  • Maintain high plant quality: Holding roses in a cool and stable environment extends their shelf life – ensuring longer-lasting freshness.

  • Tailor to local planting seasons: With customers in all corners of North America, it’s vital that we deliver the same quality to everyone. Our unique process allows us to deliver roses to the right zones at the right times.

Knowing your hardiness zone is essential to ensure you don’t miss your ideal planting window. If you’re uncertain which zone you’re located in, read our Guide to Rose Hardiness Zones & What They Mean.

While the cold storage process remains a largely unseen effort, it’s an essential part of delivering strong, healthy roses to our customers. With a bit of investment, coordination and innovation, we give them the best possible start to growing a rose that flourishes. Visit April & Ashley to browse our collection of premium rose bushes – ready to be planted in your garden this season.